Knights of the Geek Table

Steve Jobs may have been denied knighthood, but a number of geeks have been granted the honor.

Word got out recently that in 2009, Apple co-founder and tech icon Did Former UK Prime Minister Block Steve Jobs from Knighthood? Steve Jobs was denied knighthood by then-UK Prime Minster Gordon Brown. What was the reason for the snubbing? Jobs didn't appear at a Labour Party conference after being invited by Brown.

What does it take to be honored by the British Empire? According to the UK government site Direct.gov.uk, "The honours system recognises people of outstanding merit, and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation." Apparently, it is also important to not slight the prime minister, because merit alone is not enough.

There are limits to the amount of Knights, Dames, and Commanders who can be honored per year. However, those who are receiving an honorary award (like citizens outside of the United Kingdom) do not count against that limit or recieve the title of "Sir" or "Dame." To get those official titles, an individual would have to pledge allegiance to the Queen. Many Americans, such as Henry Winkler (honored for his work in charity, not for his role as Fonzie), have politely refused to pledge this allegiance.

There doesn't seem to be any set formula that will garner the honor, but exceptional work in fields like business, the arts, and technology have been rewarded in the past. The world of geekdom has its share of extraordinary people and some, unlike Mr. Jobs, have already been honored. Find out who comprises the Knights of the Geek Table in the slideshow.

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